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Contract: 2013/03726Busselton Health Campus Conservation and Tuart Offset WorksBHC Conservation Area Spring 2014 Monitoring ReportDepartment of Finance (Building Management and Works)P597-01-00January 2015

2013/03726 BHC Conservation and Tuart Offset WorksBHC Conservation Area – Spring 2014 Monitoring Report

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Prepared for: Department of Finance (BuildingManagement and Works)

Prepared by: Tranen Revegetation SouthwestABN 37 054 506 44620 Possum PlaceVasse WA 6280p/f: (08) 9754 [email protected]

Document Version ControlRev Date Description Author Review

0 18/12/14 Initial Draft KO MB, DG

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared by Tranen Revegetation Southwest solely for the benefit anduse of the client.

Tranen Revegetation Southwest shall assume no liability or responsibility to any third partyarising out of use of or reliance upon this document by any third party.

This document may not be reproduced or copied in the whole or part without the expresswritten consent of Tranen Revegetation Southwest and the client.

2013/03726 BHC Conservation and Tuart Offset Works BHC Conservation Area – Spring 2014 Monitoring Report

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Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary .................................................................................................... 1 2 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 2 3 Project Background .................................................................................................... 3

Weed Control ....................................................................................................... 3 Seedling Planting................................................................................................. 3 Mature Tree Installation....................................................................................... 3 Mulching ............................................................................................................... 3 Road Base Removal ............................................................................................ 4 Gabion Construction ........................................................................................... 4 Asbestos Removal ............................................................................................... 4

4 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 5 Aim ....................................................................................................................... 5 Completion Criteria ............................................................................................. 5

5 Monitoring Methodology ............................................................................................. 6 Transect and Quadrat Establishment ................................................................. 6

5.1.1 Quadrats ................................................................................................... 6 5.1.2 Photo Monitoring Points (PMP’s) .............................................................. 6

Monitoring Methodology ..................................................................................... 7 6 Results ......................................................................................................................... 8

Seedling and Advanced Peppermint Survival ................................................... 8 6.1.1 Seedling Planting Area ............................................................................. 8 6.1.2 Mature Peppermints.................................................................................. 8

Native Plant Density ............................................................................................ 9 6.2.1 Seedling Planting Area ............................................................................. 9 6.2.2 Mature Peppermints.................................................................................. 9

Native Species Richness ................................................................................... 10 6.3.1 Seedling Planting Area ........................................................................... 10

Weed Cover ........................................................................................................ 10 6.4.1 Seedling Planting Area ........................................................................... 10 6.4.2 Mature Peppermints Area ....................................................................... 11

Native Cover ....................................................................................................... 11 6.5.1 Seedling Planting Area ........................................................................... 11 6.5.2 Mature Peppermints Area ....................................................................... 12

Bare Soil Cover .................................................................................................. 12 6.6.1 Seedling Planting Areas .......................................................................... 12 6.6.2 Mature Peppermints................................................................................ 12

Other Observations ........................................................................................... 13 7 Discussion ................................................................................................................. 14

Seedling and Mature Peppermint Survival ....................................................... 14 Native Plant Density .......................................................................................... 14 Weeds ................................................................................................................. 14 Species Richness .............................................................................................. 14 Native Cover ....................................................................................................... 15 Bare Soil Cover .................................................................................................. 15

8 Conclusions ............................................................................................................... 16 Seedling Planting Areas .................................................................................... 16 Mature Peppermints .......................................................................................... 16

9 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 17 10 References ................................................................................................................. 18

APPENDIX 1 SITE LOCATION........................................................................................ 19


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APPENDIX 2 MONITORING LOCATIONS ...................................................................... 21

APPENDIX 3 OVERALL QUANTITATIVE DATA SUMMARY ......................................... 23

APPENDIX 4 TRANSECT RAW DATA ........................................................................... 25

APPENDIX 5 QUADRAT RAW DATA ............................................................................. 28

APPENDIX 6 TRANSECT PHOTO RECORDS ............................................................... 32

APPENDIX 7 QUADRAT PHOTO RECORDS ................................................................. 34

APPENDIX 8 PHOTO MONITORING POINT PHOTO’S .................................................. 37


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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Department of Finance (Building Management and Works) has constructed the new Busselton Health Campus to meet the demands of the growing population in the South West. As the construction of the new health campus involved the clearing of remnant bushland, and offset package was developed to mitigate the impacts. The offset package includes two areas:

1) Enhancement of surrounding remnant vegetation (Conservation Area) through infill planting;

2) Revegetation of 4 ha of the Ludlow Tuart Forest. This monitoring report is accessing the first area of the offset package, the Conservation Area located at the Busselton Health Campus. Completion criteria were developed by the environmental consultants to measure the success of the revegetation activities undertaken. The criteria included measures of plant survival, plant density, weed cover and native foliage cover. Initial site preparation works started in July 2013 and continued through until seedlings, and mature Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint) trees were installed in winter 2014. Maintenance weed control and watering have been undertaken since completion of the installation program, and this is due to continue for three years until winter 2017. This is the first formal monitoring assessment of six, to determine whether the Conservation Area revegetation works were progressing towards meeting the completion criteria, and to establish whether remedial action is required or not. A monitoring assessment is to occur every spring and autumn for three years. The Conservation Area revegetation program is currently on track to meet the completion criteria. The following observations have been made during this assessment:

Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint) advanced tree survival rate is 100% which is greater than the target of 90%;

Revegetation native planting (excluding the advanced trees) are averaging a survival rate of 96%, which exceeds the target of 75%;

There was no noticeable changes to the existing vegetation and tree health during the assessment; and

The average weed cover is 11% across the entire site, with no record of woody weeds present, and a significant reduction in a number of the targeted weed species over the site.

Based on the observations, the Conservation Area revegetation program is currently on track to meet the completion criteria. No remedial works are currently required, apart from the ongoing site visits, weed control and pest management works currently being undertaken.



2 INTRODUCTION The Busselton Health Campus (BHC) is located approximately 190 km south of Perth in Busselton (See Appendix 1). As part of the State and Federal requirements, the Department of Health was required to implement a rehabilitation program for the site to enable to construction of the new health campus. This area was called the Conservation Area. The rehabilitation program consists of:

Seedling installation along the coastal foreshore in bare areas;

Mature Agonis flexuosa (Peppermint) tree installation;

Removal of asbestos from one section of the site;

Installation of a rock gabion to protect the gazebo located on the foreshore; and

Removal of specific weed species through a targeted weed control program. The Department of Finance (Building Management and Works) engaged Tranen Revegetation Systems (Tranen) to undertake the initial revegetation works and follow-up monitoring over a three year period. Formal assessments are to be undertaken at the following times:

Spring 2014 (current assessment);

Autumn 2015;

Spring 2015;

Autumn 2016;

Spring 2016; and

Autumn 2017. This is the first of six scheduled monitoring assessments, and was conducted on the 4th of November by Matt Blunt and Kris Olson of Tranen.



3 PROJECT BACKGROUND The project commenced with preliminary weed control in July 2013, which has continued regularly until now. Advance site preparation works commenced soon after with asbestos removal, gabion installation, and mulching. Plant installation was then undertaken in winter 2014, and maintenance activities have been undertaken since. The maintenance is due to continue for three years from the completion of the installation program.

Weed Control

Regular pre and post installation weed control (spring, autumn and winter) has been ongoing to minimise competition for resources, and to remove dominant weed species from the area. The majority of the formerly dominant weed species have been removed from site, with just the occasional specimen germinating.

Seedling Planting

Tube stock, where possible, was sourced from local nurseries and was comprised of species local to the Busselton area. Planting occurred when sufficient rainfall was recorded onsite to provide enough moisture for plant establishment. The seedlings were installed in June 2014 and were planted in areas where they would naturally occur to maximise their chances of survival and best represent the surrounding vegetation structures. A native fertiliser tablet was also installed with each seedling to provide additional nutrients during its establishment phase. Tree guards were then placed over each seedling to protect them from herbivory, and make them easily identifiable to pedestrian traffic. Ongoing maintenance of tree guards has been undertaken to provide optimal conditions for seedling survival.

Mature Tree Installation

A total of 500 15L Peppermint trees were installed within the Conservation Area. For each tree, a hole was excavated, two fertiliser tablets installed, and then the tree installed. Two jarrah stakes were then installed and the tree tied to stabilise the tree during significant weather events, and to promote stem strength. In December 2014, watering of the mature trees commenced. A rate of 2 L per tree, once a month for three months every year is to be undertaken as required, as per the Revegetation Management Plan.

Mulching Mulching of bush pockets and infill planting areas were undertaken in November 2013. For the bush pockets the mulch was placed at each location and raked around the bush pockets at a thickness of 100 mm, and extending 2 m beyond the pockets. In the infill areas, the mulch was distributed to each location and then raked to a thickness of 75 mm.



Road Base Removal

A road base existed at the southern end of the Conservation Area. The road base was removed in July 2014 to allow easily installation of the mature Peppermints and allow greater root penetration.

Gabion Construction A gazebo is located on the Busselton Health Campus grounds on the foreshore, and is used by the public, and staff and patients. To protect the gazebo from coastal erosion processes, rock gabions were installed in front of it in November 2013 as per the specifications outlined in the Revegetation Management Plan. In May 2014, a strong storm caused significant erosion damage to beaches along the south west coastline. The erosion led to the undermining of the rock gabions that led to them collapsing, but still holding together. The surrounding area was immediately closed off to the public and the client notified. Currently the gabions are still in their collapsed state, but are still providing a protective barrier to the gazebo. A decision regarding the fate of the gabions and the gazebo is still being considered.

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos fragments were identified in the Revegetation Management Plan and were to be removed. Initial asbestos removal works commenced in July 2013. These initial works involved emu bobbing the surface of the entire area and removing it offsite. However, ACM (Asbestos Containing Material) fragments were found to be at a greater depth than first thought, and posed a hazard to both the public and future works. It was decided that all works were to stop in the ACM contaminated areas until further investigations were undertaken. The investigations found that the material was to a depth of approx. 400mm in most places. In July 2014, approval was given to remove the contaminated soil to a depth of 400mm and disposed of offsite. New local fill material was then transported to site and installed to the same level as before. A final emu bob was then taken across the area to ensure that all ACM was removed from site.



4 OBJECTIVES

Aim

The aim of this report is to provide an assessment of the current status of the various aspects of the revegetation program, and to compare this information to the completion criteria.

Completion Criteria

Below are the completion criteria for the BHC Conservation Area works at the end of three years.

Table 1 Completion Criteria

Criterion Basis By Year 3

1 Mature Peppermint survival rate (%) Transect 90

2 Revegetation plantings survival rate* (%) Quadrat 75

3 No decline in tree health from construction activities Quadrat / Transect / PMP** No

4 No woody weeds present in Conservation Area Quadrat / Transect / PMP No

5 Elimination of a number of targeted weed species Quadrat / Transect / PMP Yes

* Excludes mature Peppermint trees

**Photo monitoring point

The targeted weed species that are to be eliminated are:

Cakile maritima (Sea Rocket);

Dimorphotheca ecklonis (Veldt Daisy);

Euphorbia terracina (Carnation Weed);

Lactuca serriola (Prickly Lettuce);

Pelargonium capitatum (Pelargonium);

Raphanus raphanistrum (Wild Radish);

Schinus terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper);

Solanum nigrum (Black Nightshade);

Tropaeolum majus (Nasturtium); and

Zantedeschia aethiopica (Arum Lily).



5 MONITORING METHODOLOGY

Transect and Quadrat Establishment

5.1.1 Quadrats Three separate 5 m x 5 m quadrats and two transects (100 m and 50 m) were installed across the site. The three quadrats were installed in the infill planting areas along the foreshore, whilst the two transects were installed in the mature peppermint areas. The positioning of each quadrat and transect can be found in Appendix 2. The quadrats and transects were marked with galvanised steel droppers at each corner / end. The north-western corner dropper was then marked with an identification tag and flagging tape to create a permanent photographic reference point. Over time, the quadrat / transect photos will be compared to provide a visual assessment of the revegetation progress. A photo was taken 3 m back from the photo monitoring point in a north westerly direction, facing the centre of the quadrat. Transects were monitored by tallying plants along the transect and one metre out either side. The co-ordinates for each quadrat can be found in Table 2, and for transects in Table 3.

Table 2 Quadrat Coordinates

Quadrat Coordinates (GDA 94, MGA Zone 50)

Quadrat Easting Northing

Q1 344333 6275091

Q2 344279 6275094

Q3 344180 6275064

Table 3 Transect Coordinates Transect Coordinates (GDA 94, MGA Zone 50)

Transect Length (m) Easting Northing

T1 100 344071 6275014

T2 50 344034 6275006

5.1.2 Photo Monitoring Points (PMP’s) Four separate PMP’s were set up to identify progress over time. Photos were taken facing the south east. Table 4 below lists the coordinates for the locations of the photos provided in Appendix 8.



Table 4 Photo Monitoring Point (PMP) Coordinates

PMP Coordinates (GDA 94, MGA Zone 50)

PMP Easting Northing

PMP1 344070 6275106

PMP2 344101 6275062

PMP3 344108 6275035

PMP4 344056 6274810

Monitoring Methodology The following quantitative and qualitative data were measured within both transects and quadrats during the assessment: Quantitative data:

Seedlings alive;

Seedlings dead;

Native species present;

Weed species present;

Native vegetation cover;

Woody and non woody weed cover);

Density (stems/m2) native vegetation; and

Soil (% cover). Qualitative data:

The health of native vegetation; and

The health of weeds. The entire site was also visually inspected by walkthrough, concentrating on:

Soil movement;

Disturbances and predation;

Comparison of quadrats to remainder of site; and

Potential influences on and future indicators of success or failure.



6 RESULTS A summary of the quantitative data recorded to date for each quadrat and transect can be found in Appendix 3. The detailed individual records of each transect can be found in Appendix 4, and quadrats in Appendix 5. Photos taken from photo monitoring points for each transect and quadrat can be found in Appendices 6 and 7. The following section summarises and collates the results for each of the quadrats and transects.

Seedling and Advanced Peppermint Survival

6.1.1 Seedling Planting Area

Table 5 Seedling Planting Survival

Quadrat Month Seedlings Counted

Seedlings Alive

Seedlings Dead

Seedling Survival

(%)

Q1 Nov-14 33 30 3 91

Q2 Nov-14 70 67 3 96

Q3 Nov-14 62 62 0 100

Avg. Nov-14 55 53 2 96

Table 5 highlights the survival records for the seedling planting that occurred along the foreshore. The survival rate across the three quadrats was 96%. The highest survival rate was recorded in quadrat Q3 with 100%, while the lowest was recorded in Q1 with 91%.

6.1.2 Mature Peppermints

Table 6 Mature Peppermint Survival

Transect Month Seedlings Counted

Seedlings Alive

Seedlings Dead

Seedling Survival

(%)

T1 Nov-14 8 8 0 100

T2 Nov-14 3 3 0 100

Avg. Nov-14 6 6 0 100

Transects were established within areas where mature Peppermint trees were installed. Table 6 provides a summary of the survival rates of the mature Peppermints. No dead Peppermint trees were observed across either of the transects, resulting in a survival rate of 100%.



Native Plant Density

6.2.1 Seedling Planting Area

Table 7 represents the overall native plant density, which includes existing natives, and natural recruitment.

Table 7 Native Density

Quadrat Month Baseline

Total Plant Density (plants /

m2)

Q1 Nov-14 0 1.2

Q2 Nov-14 0 3

Q3 Nov-14 5 3.2

Avg. Nov-14 1.7 2.5

The average density recorded across all of the quadrats was 2.1 plants / m2, which is an increase of 0.4 plants / m2 when compared against the baseline. The quadrat that recorded the highest density was Q3, recording 2.5 plants / m2. The lowest density was recorded in Q1 and Q2 with 1.1 plants / m2, which is an increase when compared against the baseline data.

6.2.2 Mature Peppermints Table 8 details the plant density for the mature Peppermint tree area.

Table 8 Mature Peppermint Native Density

Transect Month Baseline

Total Plant Density (plants /

m2)

T1 Nov-14 N/A 0.2

T2 Nov-14 N/A 0.2

Avg. Nov-14 N/A 0.2

Each transect recorded a density of 0.2 plants / m2, which equates to 1 plant / 5m2. No baseline data was recorded to compare densities against.


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Native Species Richness

6.3.1 Seedling Planting Area Table 11 details the species richness recorded in each of the three quadrats located along the foreshore.

Table 9 Seedling Planting Species Richness

Quadrat Month Baseline Species Planted

Species Recorded

Q1 Nov-14 1 18 5

Q2 Nov-14 5 18 8

Q3 Nov-14 7 18 7

TOTAL Nov-14 8 18 10

Over the three quadrats 56% of the species planted were represented. These quadrats only represent a small fraction of the overall area. A number of additional species were observed alive outside of the quadrats. The highest number of species was recorded in Q2 with 44% of the species planted observed. The quadrat that recorded the lowest species richness was Q1, with only 28% of the species planted represented.

Weed Cover

6.4.1 Seedling Planting Area Table 9 summarises the weed cover recorded in each of the quadrats.

Table 10 Seedling Planting Weed Cover

Quadrat Month Baseline (%) Cover (%)

Q1 Nov-14 10 <1

Q2 Nov-14 10 <1

Q3 Nov-14 7 1

Avg. Nov-14 9 1

The average weed cover was 1%, which is 8% lower than the baseline. The highest cover was recorded in Q3 recording 1%, while the lowest was recorded in both Q1 and Q2 with <1%. Weed densities within quadrats was similar site wide.



When comparing the results to the baseline data, each of the three quadrats recorded a decrease in the weed cover. The greatest decrease was recorded in quadrats Q1 and Q2 with an approximate reduction of 9% in each. No woody or target weeds were present in the seedling planting area.

6.4.2 Mature Peppermints Area Table 10 details the amount of weed cover within the mature Peppermint area.

Table 11 Mature Peppermint Weed Cover

Transect Month Baseline (%) Cover (%)

T1 Nov-14 N/A 40

T2 Nov-14 N/A 2

Avg. Nov-14 21

The average weed cover across both of the transects was 21%. The highest cover was recorded in T1, with 40% recorded. The dominant weed species in T1 was Cynodon dactylon (Couch Grass) which has been maintained as a turf between existing trees. The lowest weed cover was in T2 with 2% cover recorded. There was no baseline data to compare the results against. No woody weeds were observed within the mature Peppermint transect planting area.

Native Cover

6.5.1 Seedling Planting Area Table 13 summarises the native cover observed in the seedling planting area.

Table 12 Native Cover In Seedling Planting Areas


Q1 Nov-14 20 20

Q2 Nov-14 50 52

Q3 Nov-14 70 70

Avg. Nov-14 47 47

No change was recorded between the results and baseline data. The average native cover recorded across the three quadrats was 47%, with the highest cover in Q3 with 70%. The lowest cover was recorded in Q1 with 20%. The



majority of the cover is being provided by pre-existing established plants, and the tube stock planting has had minimal contribution at this stage.

6.5.2 Mature Peppermints Area Table 14 summarises the native cover recorded in the mature Peppermint planting area.

Table 13 Mature Peppermint Native Cover


T1 Nov-14 N/A 1

T2 Nov-14 N/A 1

Avg. Nov-14 1

Both transects recorded a cover of 1%. There was no baseline data to compare against.

Bare Soil Cover

6.6.1 Seedling Planting Areas Table 15 provides a summary of bare soil cover for each of the quadrats in the seedling planting areas.

Table 14 Seedling Planting Soil Cover


Q1 Nov-14 80 2

Q2 Nov-14 75 <1

Q3 Nov-14 0 0

Avg. Nov-14 52 1

The average bare soil cover recorded across the three quadrats was 1%. This was a significant decrease when comparing this to the baseline data, with a decrease of 51%. The largest decrease was observed in quadrat Q1 with a decline of 78%. This is due to a combination of mulch and leaf litter. The highest soil cover was in Q1 with 2%, while the lowest was recorded in Q3 with no bare soil observed.

6.6.2 Mature Peppermints



Table 16 shows the percentage of soil cover exposed in the mature Peppermint planting area.

Table 15 Mature Peppermint Soil Cover


T1 Nov-14 N/A 30

T2 Nov-14 N/A 75

Avg. Nov-14 53

Across the two transects the average bare soil cover was 53%. The highest bare soil cover was recorded in T2 with 75%, while T1 had the lowest with 30%. There was no baseline data available to compare the results against.

Other Observations Pedestrian traffic has been affecting the infill planting area, with many of the tree guards being removed, especially along the coastal dune area. With the removal of the guards it has allowed rabbits from the neighbouring bushland areas to predate on the seedlings. Although there is a pest control program in progress, it only targets the Conservation Area and not the adjacent bushland areas.



7 DISCUSSION

Seedling and Mature Peppermint Survival At present the seedling survival is very high, exceeding the completion criteria of 75% survival, with an average of 96% recorded. Some attrition is expected over summer, but given the high initial survival rates, it is possible that even with some deaths that the completion criteria will be maintained at the next assessment. All of the advanced Peppermint trees surveyed have survived and therefore the required survival rate of 90% is being achieved. None of the remnant Peppermint trees were observed to have deteriorated due to construction activity (or any other impact) when undertaking this assessment. Rabbit scratching’s are still evident through the revegetation areas even though rabbit control has been ongoing since September 2013. The rabbit population has significantly decreased, however it has been observed that rabbits from neighbouring bushland are encroaching into the area. The tree guards are providing effective protection to the planted seedlings from herbivory, so the rabbits are having no impact on the young seedlings.

Native Plant Density Currently the seedling planting area is recording an average density of 2.1 plants / m2, which is an increase of 0.4 plants / m2 to the baseline data of 1.7 plants / m2. There is no criteria for the density, which was included in the assessments as it is expected to provide additional information relating to revegetation progress over the three year period. At present the mature Peppermint area is recording an average density of 0.2 plants / m2, which equates to 1 plant / 5m2. This is the same density in which the Peppermint trees were originally planted, highlighting that there was no deaths recorded in each of the transects.

Weeds The average weed cover for the seedling planting area along the foreshore is 1%. When comparing this to the baseline data there was a decrease across the three quadrats of 9%. For the mature Peppermint planting area, the average weed cover was 21%. The transect with the highest weed cover was T1, with Couch grass dominating the area. This area was previously used for recreational purposes and was maintained as a turfed area by the BHC grounds staff. This is no longer to be the case, and the majority of the weed species to be targeted have been controlled in this area, and there were no woody weeds present during the assessment.

Species Richness



The total number of species recorded within the quadrats was 10 out of the 18 species planted (53%). All of the remaining species were observed outside of the quadrats when walking the site. This is an increase in the total number of species recorded of 12% when compared against the baseline. An increase was to be expected as the baseline data was taken prior to the seedlings being installed. The quadrat with the highest species representation was in Q3 with 33% of the species planted observed.

Native Cover At present the seedling planting area has an average native cover of 47%. This is the same average cover as the baseline data, suggesting that there has been limited significant growth since the initial survey in May 2014. This was expected, as it often takes several years before significant growth is observed, especially in partially established areas where the existing vegetation is already providing significant cover. The mature Peppermint planting area had an average cover of 1%, and it is expected that the cover will increase rapidly as the trees become accustomed to their new environment. There was no baseline data in which comparisons could be made.

Bare Soil Cover The seedling planting area has seen a significant decrease in the bare soil cover when comparing the results against the baseline data. The baseline data recorded an average bare soil cover of 52%, while the current assessment recorded an average of 1%. The largest decrease was recorded in quadrat Q1, with a 78% decline. This is due to the existing Peppermint trees shedding their leaves over spring, resulting in a large increase in leaf litter. This may have impacts going forward, as the fallen Peppermint leaves release oils that can make the soil hydrophobic. This will be closely monitored at the next event to determine whether this creates any problems, and if action is required. The bare soil cover in the mature Peppermint planting area averages 53%. This is due a lot of the area being degraded and with limited to no understorey being present. There was no baseline data available to compare the results to.



8 CONCLUSIONS

Seedling Planting Areas Overall the seedling planting area is performing well, with all of the completion criteria currently being met, except for the elimination of all the targeted weed species. Rose Pelargonium, and Geraldton Carnation Weed are the two species yet to be eradicated. The populations of these species have been significantly reduced, and with regular follow up control this goal should be achieved at the end of the three year period. The seedling survival rate of 96%, is well above target and is expected to remain that way at the next assessment, even with some mortality over summer. Species density and diversity are good too. Therefore no remedial planting works are considered necessary at present. The weed and pest control program should continue, along with constant monitoring to assess how the revegetation works are progressing. Tree guards will also need progressive removal as plants establish.

Mature Peppermints The mature Peppermint planting area is meeting the completion criteria of 90% survival, with the results currently recording an average of 100%. There were no woody weeds, nor any of the target weed species observed in the area during the assessment. Watering of the Peppermint trees is to commence in December with one watering event of 2 litres per plant per month until March. This is to assist with Peppermint survival over the summer period. Given the high initial survival rates, and supplementary watering, it is expected that the completion criteria will be maintained at the next assessment. As the completion criteria is currently being met, there is no need for any additional remedial works at this stage. Monitoring of tree health over the summer period and the continuation of the weed control program will be ongoing.



9 RECOMMENDATIONS The monitoring data gathered from the seedling and advanced tree planting areas within the Conservation Area, demonstrate that the works are on track to meet the completion criteria after three years. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance are recommended to ensure this remains the case. Weeds, rabbit predation and unauthorised pedestrian traffic are the likely factors to influence the progress of the revegetation works. All these factors should be continually monitored to ensure maximum survival and growth rates, and immediate remedial action undertaken should potential issues be identified. As the Conservation Area is meeting the completion criteria with respect to plant survival, no remedial planting actions are required at this stage. Should survival rates decline over summer, the scheduled autumn monitoring event will determine the requirements. There will be sufficient time to procure plant stock and materials should they be required at that point. Tree guards may impact on plant development and survival prior to the next assessment. It is recommended that they be inspected regularly, maintained, and then removed when they are no longer providing the desired function or are affecting plant growth. Stakes supporting the advanced Peppermint trees should also be maintained and removed when the trees have developed to the point where they become self-supporting.



10 REFERENCES Natural Area, 2013-1. Department of Health and Department of Finance (Building Management and Works), Busselton Health Campus Revegetation Management Plan – 74 pages. Natural Area, 2013-2. Baseline Monitoring Data Busselton Hospital and Tuart Offset Site, May 2014 – 11 pages. Natural Area, 2013-3. BHC Monitoring Point Map, May 2014 – 1 page.



Appendix 1 Site Location



Appendix 2 Monitoring Locations



Appendix 3 Overall Quantitative Data Summary

BHC Conservation Area

Quantitative Data Summary - Spring 2014

Mature

Peppermint

Survival (%)

Revegetation

Planting

Survival (%)

Decline in

Tree Health

(Y/N)

Woody Weed

Presence

(Y/N)

Elimination of

Target Weeds

(Y/N)

Native Density

(plants / m2)

Species

Richness (%)

Weed Cover

(%)

Native Cover

(%)

Bare Soil

Cover (%)

Native Density

(plants / m2)

Weed Cover

(%)

Native Cover

(%)

Bare Soil

Cover (%)

Completion

Criteria100 75 N N Y N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

T1 100 N N Y 0.20 40 1 30

T2 100 N N Y 0.20 2 1 75

Q1 91 N N Y 1.20 28 <1 20 2

Q2 96 N N Y 3 44 <1 52 <1

Q3 100 N N Y 3.20 39 1 70 0

Avg / Total 100 96 N N Y 2.47 56 1 47 1 0.20 21 1 53

Other Data - Seedling PlantingAssessed Completion Criteria Other Data - Mature Peppermint Planting

Quadrat /

Transect



Appendix 4 Transect Raw Data

BHC Onsite - Spring 2014

Revegetation Area T1

GPS Coordinates Photo Location

Start: E 344071, N 6275014

End: E 344034, N 6275006

Baseline Cover % Cover % Alive Dead

0 4

4

0 2

40%

Spring 2014

5

1

5

30%

3

0

40%

Y

Total Species Represented

Weed Species Recorded (% Cover)

Cynodon dactylon

PRESENCE OF FAUNA

Comments:

HEALTH (RATE 1-5; 1=POOR):

ABUNDANCE (% COVER)

DENSITY (stems/m2):

% COVER SOIL

WEEDS:

Trachyandra divaricata

Other Species Recorded

Lepidosperma gladiatum

Species

Agonis flexuosa (15L)

NATIVE VEGETATION:


ABUNDANCE (% COVER) - WOODY

ABUNDANCE (% COVER) - NON WOODY


Revegetation Area T2


Start: E 344064, N 6274724End: E 344078, N 6274727

Baseline Cover % Cover % Alive Dead

3

0 1

2

Spring 2014

5

1

5

75%

1

0

2%

Y

Comments:

WEEDS:




PRESENCE OF FAUNA

Conyza sp

NATIVE VEGETATION:


ABUNDANCE (% COVER)

DENSITY (stems/m2):

% COVER SOIL




Species

Agonis flexuosa (15L)



Appendix 5 Quadrat Raw Data


Revegetation Area Q1


E 344333

N 6275091

Baseline Cover % Cover % Existing Veg Seedlings Alive Seedlings Dead

20 20 2 5

<1 11

<1 2

<1 6

<1 3

1 5 1 5 0

20 <1

1 <1

10 <1

10

Spring 2014

4 4

20% 20%

0 1.2

80% 2%

4 1

N/A N/A

7% <1%

YPRESENCE OF FAUNA

Comments: 3 Dead Plants

Scaevola nitida

Spinifex hirsutus

Spinifex longifolius

Spyridium globulosum

WEEDS:




NATIVE VEGETATION:


ABUNDANCE (% COVER)

DENSITY (stems/m2):

% COVER SOIL

Weed Species Recorded

Oxalis sp.

Trachyandra divaricata

Cynodon dactylon

Hypochaeris glabra


Rhagodia baccata

Scaevola crassifolia


Hibbertia cuneiformis

Species

Acacia cochlearis

Acacia littorea

Acacia saligna

Acanthocarpus preissii

Agonis flexuosa

Clematis linearifolia

Dianella revoluta

Ficinia nodosa

Hardenbergia comptoniana


Olearia axillaris




E 344279

N 6275094


2 2 2

1


40 42 5 2


Hibbertia cuneiformis <1 2

Lepidosperma gladiatum 1 3 54

20 20 3


2 2 2

<1 5

5 7 3 5 1

0.1 <1

Spring 2014

5 4

50% 52%

N/A 3

75% <1%

5 1

N/A N/A

10% <1%

Y YPRESENCE OF FAUNA

Comments: 1 Dead Seedling

Scaevola nitida

Spinifex hirsutus


Austrostipa flavescens

Acacia truncata

WEEDS:




NATIVE VEGETATION:


ABUNDANCE (% COVER)

DENSITY (stems/m2):

% COVER SOIL


Lagurus ovatus

Species

Acacia cochlearis

Acacia littorea

Acacia saligna

Agonis flexuosa


Dianella revoluta

Ficinia nodosa

Olearia axillaris

Rhagodia baccata







E 344180

N 6275064


5 5 2

25 25 2 8

<1 2

5 5 4

1.5 1.5 2

15 15 18 40

3 3 1

0.1 <1

7 8 6 3 0

2 <1

1 <1

3 <1

1 <1

Spring 2014

4 3

70 70

5 3.2

0% 0%

5 1

N/A 0

7% 1%

YPRESENCE OF FAUNA

Comments:

Spinifex hirsutus

Scaevola nitida



WEEDS:




NATIVE VEGETATION:


ABUNDANCE (% COVER)

DENSITY (stems/m2):

% COVER SOIL


Ehrharta longiflora

Pelargonium capitatum

Oxalis prescaprea

Lagurus ovatus

Rhagodia baccata


Austrostipa flavescens



Species

Acacia cochlearis

Acacia littorea

Acacia saligna


Agonis flexuosa


Dianella revoluta

Ficinia nodosa


Hibbertia cuneiformis


Olearia axillaris



Appendix 6 Transect Photo Records



Transect T1

Transect T2



Appendix 7 Quadrat Photo Records



Quadrat Q1

Quadrat Q2



Quadrat Q3



Appendix 8 Photo Monitoring Point Photo’s



PMP1

PMP2



PMP3

PMP4

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